By: Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl

By: Jason DeRusha

When the March issue hits the stands, it’s kind of like my New Year’s Day. The Best Restaurants Issue is a labor of love, but it’s a labor. One of the great things it provides is a moment for reflection on what we do and how we do it. Needless to say there are some changes afoot as we continue to strive to be the gold medal winningest food team on the planet: never settle, never stop. In that tradition, I put the laser to this blog. Is this Friday round-up useful to you? When I started it no one else was doing one, but now there are others. Do you love/hate the name? Should I just shut up and get to the news or continue waxing on? Feel free to let me have it in the comments section, I am humbly at your service trying to make this an eater’s paradise (reachable only by snowshoe apparently).

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OPENS

Kyatchi Sushiofficially opens tonight at 4pm! The new Kingfield sushi joint has a sustainable edge, and a definite pro in sushi master Hide Tozawa. Early pre-view diners are reporting some exciting and interesting sushi creations, a goodly amount of sake, and fun small plates.

Congrats to all the locals who made the semi-finals of the James Beard Awards! Finalists will be culled from these lists and announced on March 19.

CLOSES

Sunsets in Wayzata will close on Mar. 2, after 25 years in business. The iconic lakeside spot will be completely redone and reconcepted by new owner Dean Vlahos. Should be interesting to see what becomes of the bay with this and 6 Smith opening too. Gianni’s must be shaking in their boots.

Saturday nightGlam Doll Donutsis having a first anniversary party! Get in there for yeasty treats, cocktails from the Eat Street Social kids, and live music.

Tickets are still available for North Coast Nosh on Sunday. Strollin’ and samplin’ is the name of this game. Some newbies to look forward to: Brasserie Zentral, Buddy’s Nut Butters, Cool Jerk jerky, et al.

Venturing out to the Red Bull Crashed Ice? Check out the ice bar at the Happy Gnome for Surly and 2Gingers specials along with live music and a roaring fire and dancers from Dragon's Fire Theater. Or head to iconic patio at WA Frost for their Frosty's Bar, which is also a fundriaser for the Cathedral Heritage Foundation.